From Rural Roots to Pediatric Healthcare | Kimsreang’s Journey

Let us discover through this interview, ‘From Rural Roots to Pediatric Healthcare’, how Kimsreang May transformed her rural upbringing into a lifelong mission of improving healthcare access for children in Cambodia through the Pediatric Surgery Project empowering communities, strengthening systems, and creating lasting impact.

From Rural Roots to Pediatric Healthcare

This interview was conducted by me (Teerath Kumar) a developmental professional from Pakistan with Ms. Kimsreang May a development professional form Cambodia and my most caring and loving ‘Training Fellow’.

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Teerath Kumar: Hi Sreang, can you begin by telling us a little about your early life and childhood?

Kimsreang May: Thank you so much, my dear friend Teerath Kumar, for coming to my beloved Cambodia and spending your valuable time with me in this heartfelt interview.

My name is Kimsreang May, ‘May’ is my family name, and most of my friends lovingly call me Sreang. I invite readers to remember me simply as Sreang, a daughter of Takeo province in Cambodia.

My Early Childhood

I spent my early childhood in a small village in the remote Koh Andaet district of Takeo province, Cambodia. My family relies on farming for our livelihood, and I grew up surrounded by the quiet rhythms of rural life.

From a young age, I realized that farming wasn’t my strength, but I developed a deep love for studying. Even though I’m naturally introverted, I enjoy making friends with the people around me and forming meaningful connections.

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My parents supported my education, and I always tried my best partly to make their efforts worthwhile (and maybe also because they paid the school fees just kidding!). Despite the challenges of living in a remote area, my early years were shaped by a strong desire to learn, grow, and build friendships.

Educational Journey of Kimsreang May

I started primary school in 2001, entering Grade 1, and I graduated from Grade 12 (Bac II) in 2012. After completing high school, I received a scholarship to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Rural Development. I studied in Prey Veng province, which is over 200 kilometers away from my hometown. I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in 2016.

During my four years at university, I discovered a strong passion for my field. It made me realize the importance of contributing to rural development, and it strengthened my desire to see people in rural and remote areas gain access to essential public services.

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I not only studied subjects related to my major, but I also learned how to live independently, far from my family, and how to build relationships with people from diverse backgrounds. I truly enjoyed learning, conducting research, working on team assignments, and volunteering at the university.

Looking back at my childhood of Kimsreang May

Looking back at my childhood, growing up in a small village in a remote area of Koh Andaet district had a big impact on my career choices. Living in a rural community where access to basic public services was limited made me aware of the challenges people face in remote areas.

My parents, who worked hard as farmers to support my education, were also strong role models. Their commitment taught me the value of education and inspired me to work hard. One experience that particularly shaped me was receiving a scholarship to study Rural Development.

During university, I realized that I wanted to dedicate my efforts to improving life in rural areas, so others could have better access to services and opportunities. These early life experiences and the support from my family strongly influenced my passion for rural development.

Professional Journey of Kimsreang May

My professional journey began shortly after I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Rural Development in 2016. Growing up in a remote village, I saw firsthand how limited access to public services such as education, healthcare, and clean water affected the well-being of people in rural communities. These early experiences deeply shaped my desire to work in the development sector.

During my university years, I became even more motivated through my studies, team projects, and volunteer activities. I realized that sustainable development requires not only policies but also people on the ground who understand the local context and are committed to driving change. That understanding, along with my personal background, made me passionate about contributing to rural development and humanitarian work. Since then, I have been committed to working with communities to improve access to services, promote equity, and empower vulnerable groups. It’s more than a job for me it’s a mission rooted in my own life experience.

Join FIDR Cambodia

My decision to join FIDR Cambodia was driven by my strong passion for rural development and improving access to public services, especially in underserved areas. After completing my bachelor’s degree in Rural Development, I actively sought opportunities to work with organizations that make a real impact on the lives of vulnerable communities.

Comfort Zone

I began my professional journey with a local organization called NRD, which focuses on community and women’s empowerment, community fisheries, and youth engagement. I worked with NRD for three years before stepping away from formal employment for over five years to focus on raising my daughter and caring for my family.

From November 2019 to January 2025, I stayed at home, dedicating myself fully to my family life and stepping into what I considered a comfort zone.

Inspired by the Pediatric Surgery Project

In early 2025, I came across a recruitment announcement from FIDR by chance. Curious, I visited the FIDR website and was immediately drawn to its mission, especially its focus on health and community development, values that closely align with my personal beliefs and long-term goals.

I was particularly inspired by the Pediatric Surgery Project, which addresses a critical gap in child healthcare services in Kratie province. Growing up in a rural village where specialized medical care was nearly inaccessible, I deeply understand how vital this work is for families in similar situations.

Pediatric Surgery Project Facilitator

I applied through an open recruitment process and was selected based on my academic background, volunteer and professional experiences, and strong interest in project coordination. Since joining FIDR Cambodia, I have continuously learned and grown through collaboration with local stakeholders and healthcare professionals.

Over time, I took on increasing responsibilities, which led to my current role as Pediatric Surgery Project Facilitator. In this position, I am proud to contribute to improving access to life-saving surgical care for children in need.

As a Pediatric Surgery Project Facilitator at FIDR Cambodia, my typical day involves a combination of coordination, communication, and field-level support to ensure the smooth implementation of our project activities.

Key Responsibilities of Kimsreang May

One of my key responsibilities is managing the referral system, where I work closely with a colleague to coordinate with provincial hospital staff and health centers (HCs). Together, we facilitate Training of Trainers (TOT) sessions for Village Health Support Groups (VHSGs) in 12 target health centers, focusing on identifying symptoms related to pediatric surgery.

In addition, I am in charge of outreach activities, which involve working directly with HCs and VHSGs to raise awareness among community members about pediatric surgery symptoms. The goal is to help communities recognize these symptoms early so that affected children can receive timely and appropriate medical care.

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I also communicate regularly with various stakeholders including national and provincial health staff, HC staff, and community representatives, to monitor progress, address challenges, and strengthen collaboration. This includes organizing and participating in coordination meetings and training sessions.

Furthermore, I support data collection and documentation, particularly related to ultrasound usage records, project activities, and reporting. Ensuring that all project activities are accurately documented and aligned with our goals is essential for both impact and accountability.

Although no two days are exactly the same, my role consistently demands strong organizational skills, attention to detail, effective teamwork, and a deep commitment to improving access to pediatric surgical care for children in underserved areas.

Objective of the Pediatric Surgery Project

The main objective of the Pediatric Surgery Project is to promote Kratie Provincial Referral Hospital (KPRH) as a center for pediatric surgery in the northeastern region of Cambodia.

The project aims to improve access to life-saving surgical care for children in rural and underserved areas by strengthening the local healthcare system and enhancing the capacity of medical staff.

History of the Pediatric Surgery Project

The history of the Pediatric Surgery Project dates back to 1996, when it was first implemented at the National Pediatric Hospital (NPH) in Phnom Penh. Over more than 20 years of implementation, significant improvements were made in terms of human resources, infrastructure, medical instruments, equipment, and facilities.

As a result, NPH became capable of operating independently. With NPH able to sustain its operations without external support, FIDR decided to expand the project to the northeastern part of Cambodia. In April 2017, the project was officially launched in Kratie Province, where access to pediatric surgical care remained limited.

FIDR Collaborates

In Kratie, FIDR collaborates closely with the Provincial Health Department (PHD), Referral Hospitals (RHs), Operational Districts (ODs), and 12 target Health Centers (HCs), as well as the communities under their coverage areas.

The project also engages with various relevant stakeholders at both the provincial and national levels to strengthen referral systems, enhance awareness, and build a more responsive and effective pediatric healthcare network in the region.

Major Challenges in Pediatric Surgery Services in Kratie Province

Pediatric surgery services in Kratie, a remote and underserved province in northeastern Cambodia, face several significant challenges:

• Limited Availability of Specialized Human Resources: Kratie Provincial Referral Hospital lacks sufficient pediatric surgical specialists and anesthetists with experience in pediatric care. This shortage limits the hospital’s ability to provide safe and effective surgical treatment for children.
• Geographical and Logistical Barriers: Many children in Kratie live in rural or hard-to-reach areas, far from the provincial hospital. Poor road conditions and lack of transportation further delay access to timely care.
• Low Awareness of Pediatric Surgical Conditions: Community members, caregivers, and even some local health workers have limited knowledge of pediatric surgical symptoms. As a result, many children are brought for treatment only after their conditions have become severe or life-threatening.
• Insufficient Equipment and Facility Capacity: While Kratie Provincial Referral Hospital is improving, it still lacks some essential medical equipment, surgical tools, and child-friendly infrastructure to fully support pediatric surgery.

How FIDR Addresses These Challenges

Through the Pediatric Surgery Project, FIDR works collaboratively with local stakeholders to address these challenges in a sustainable and context-appropriate manner:

• Human Resource Development: FIDR supports training for provincial doctors and anesthetists. Capacity-building efforts include study visits, workshops, conferences, and case-based learning.
• Strengthening the Referral System: The project enhances coordination between provincial hospitals, operational districts, health centers, and VHSGs. FIDR facilitates Training of Trainers (TOT) and technical refreshers to ensure that frontline health workers can identify pediatric surgical symptoms early and refer patients in a timely manner.
• Community Outreach and Health Education: FIDR conducts outreach activities in collaboration with VHSGs and health center staff to raise awareness among caregivers and community members about pediatric conditions that require surgery. This helps improve early detection and treatment-seeking behavior.
• Improving Infrastructure and Equipment: To ensure safe and effective surgeries, FIDR provides essential medical equipment and supports improvements in hospital infrastructure where needed.
• Integrated and Collaborative Approach: FIDR works closely with the Provincial Health Department (PHD), Referral Hospitals, Operational Districts, and other relevant stakeholders at the local, provincial, and national levels to ensure alignment with government strategies and promote sustainability.

Me (Sreang) As a Project Facilitator

As a Project Facilitator for the Pediatric Surgery Project at FIDR Cambodia, to make a project effective, especially in healthcare and community development, we foster strong communication and coordination among hospitals, doctors, government institutions, and communities.

Building trust through respectful relationships, recognizing local expertise, and promoting cultural sensitivity are key. Capacity building is also critical—training healthcare staff, strengthening referral systems, and supporting VHSGs ensures better service delivery.

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Active community engagement through outreach and awareness activities helps increase understanding and early detection of health issues. Transparency, shared responsibility, and collaboration with government bodies like the PHD, RHs, and ODs ensure alignment with national health strategies and promote sustainable impact.

Key Personal & Professional Skills

• Project Coordination: Managing multiple stakeholders, timelines, and activities requires strong organizational and coordination skills. This has helped ensure smooth collaboration between provincial hospitals, health centers, and community-level actors.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Regular interaction with government officials, healthcare professionals, and community members demands clear and respectful communication, especially when working across different levels of the health system.
• Monitoring and Reporting: Attention to detail and analytical skills have been critical in supporting data collection, tracking project progress, and ensuring accurate and timely reporting for accountability and learning.

Key Personal Skills:

• Adaptability: Working in rural and often unpredictable environments has taught me to remain flexible and responsive to changing situations and challenges in the field.
• Empathy and Patience: Engaging with patients, caregivers, and community members many of whom face difficult circumstances—requires compassion and a deep sense of understanding.
• Teamwork and Collaboration: My ability to work well with both internal teams and external partners has been vital to the success of joint activities, training sessions, and outreach efforts.

These combined skills have enabled me to contribute meaningfully to improving access to pediatric surgical care in underserved areas and to grow professionally in a dynamic, field-based role.

Overall Experience

Through my work, I’ve witnessed how delayed access to even simple surgical care can have lifelong consequences for children often due to poverty, distance, or lack of knowledge. It has taught me that strengthening the healthcare system at every level, from the community to the hospital, is critical to achieving real impact.

This work has made me more aware of the deep inequalities that exist within our society, especially between urban and rural communities. It has reinforced my belief that sustainable development must focus on inclusion ensuring that even the most remote communities have access to essential services. I’ve also seen how empowered communities can drive change when they are given the right tools, knowledge, and support.

Overall, this experience has not only strengthened my professional purpose but also inspired me personally to continue contributing to meaningful and inclusive development.

Rewarding

The most rewarding part of my job is witnessing the positive impact our work brings to children and their families. Seeing a child who once suffered from a life-threatening condition receive timely surgery and recover is incredibly fulfilling.

These moments remind me that our efforts whether through outreach, referrals, training, or coordination can truly change lives. Another meaningful aspect is the connection I build with communities.

I enjoy working closely with Village Health Support Groups (VHSGs), local health center staff, and caregivers. Helping them recognize symptoms, build confidence, and take proactive steps in healthcare makes me feel that our work empowers not just individuals but entire communities.

Also, being part of a collaborative team that includes doctors, nurses, government officials, and development professionals gives me opportunities to continuously learn and grow. Every day presents a chance to improve both professionally and personally.

Personal Challenging

The challenge is related to geographical and logistical constraints. Many patients live in remote areas, far from hospitals, and lack transportation or awareness about their children’s health issues. Coordinating outreach and ensuring timely referrals in such areas requires significant effort and persistence.

Balancing Community Expectations

Finally, balancing community expectations with realistic outcomes can be emotionally demanding. Families often hope for immediate solutions, but healthcare systems take time to strengthen. Managing these expectations while continuing to build trust is an ongoing part of the work.

Looking ahead over the next 5 to 10 years, I envision the Pediatric Surgery Project continuing to grow in both impact and sustainability, becoming a strong model for decentralized, accessible pediatric surgical care in Cambodia especially for children in rural and underserved areas.

Provincially-led initiative

In the coming years, I see the project evolving into a provincially-led initiative, where local health institutions particularly the Kratie Provincial Referral Hospital (KPRH)—can independently manage pediatric surgery services with minimal external support.

Through continued capacity building, we hope to see more trained pediatric surgeons, anesthetists, and nurses working at the provincial level, reducing the dependence on outsider specialists. I also believe the referral system between health centers, hospitals, and communities will become more structured and efficient, with improved tools, clearer protocols, and greater engagement from Village Health Support Groups (VHSGs).

This will allow for earlier identification of surgical cases and timely treatment, minimizing long-term health complications for children. Furthermore, I hope to see the project expand or inspire similar models in other provinces adapting the Kratie experience to suit different regional contexts, thus scaling impact nationwide.

No Child is Left Behind

My hope for child healthcare in Cambodia is to see a future where no child is left behind due to geography or poverty. Every child regardless of where they are born should have access to safe, timely, and affordable surgical care when needed.

I hope that preventive care, early detection, and community awareness become common practices in all areas of the country. I also dream of a more integrated health system, where hospitals, schools, and local authorities work together to promote child health, not only through treatment but through education, nutrition, and holistic support.

Finally, I hope that children grow up in a system that not only treats illness but also values their dignity, protects their rights, and invests in their potential. If we can build a healthcare system that puts children at the center, we will be investing in a stronger, healthier Cambodia for generations to come.

Pursuing a Nobel Career

Pursuing a career in the humanitarian, civil society, or health sector is more than just a professional choice, it is a personal commitment to serve, uplift, and create meaningful change in the lives of others.

For young professionals, especially women, this path may present obstacles, but it also offers endless opportunities to grow, lead, and inspire. By staying grounded in own purpose, continuously learning, building strong relationships, and taking care of yourself along the way, you can make a lasting impact not just in the communities you serve, but also within the systems you help shape.

Believe in your journey, trust your voice, and never doubt the value you bring to this work. The world needs more compassionate, driven individuals like you.

The best investment is in yourself—so stay prepared, stay adaptable, and always be ready to pivot!

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Last Updated: September 7, 2025